High demand for Japan is driving a wave of new Asia cruise offerings over the next two years.
U.S.-focused cruise lines are devoting more inventory to the region, extending their seasons and introducing new ports and itineraries. And while destinations in Asia overall are welcoming more cruises, many of the expanded offerings are Japan-centric.
“There’s sort of an unquenchable demand for Japan right now,” said Jess Peterson, director of destination experience and itinerary planning at Windstar Cruises, which like other cruise lines has increased Japan offerings. “We had to add additional departures much earlier than we expected because we were running out of inventory to sell.”
A surge in visitation to Japan started before the pandemic and has only grown since. The Japan National Tourism Organization reported 36.9 million international visitors in 2024, a more than 15% increase from what had been a record 2019. And this year is already pacing ahead of 2024.
If anything, cruise lines are playing catch-up.
Azamara will introduce its first fall Japan sailings in 2026, supplementing its normal spring cruises, said CEO Dondra Ritzenthaler.
“We were selling out, and we knew that if we were there longer, we would be successful,” Ritzenthaler said.
The Sapphire Princess (pictured) and the Diamond Princess will sail in Asia in 2027. Photo Credit: Princess Cruises
Oceania similarly added Japan sailings in the fourth quarter of 2027 after previously only sailing during the spring cherry blossom season.
“Japan especially has been a hot, trending destination,” said Oceania chief commercial officer Nathan Hickman.
Princess Cruises will add a second ship to the region in 2027, calling it the line’s “most expansive Japan season ever” with 78 departures, while National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions in 2027 will offer more departures of its 16-day Japan itineraries, citing increased demand.
A Japan-based brand, Mitsui Ocean Cruises, is also targeting U.S. travelers with cruises around the islands.
First-time cruisers in Japan?
Indiana-based Travelmation advisor Amy Thomasson, who specializes in Japan travel, said Japan’s popularity overall gives cruise lines an opportunity to capture American travelers who first decide on the destination before deciding how they will navigate it.
But, she said, it may not be easy for them to capture first-time cruisers.
“They would have to fly 5,000 or 6,000 miles and then get on a cruise ship, which would be a brand-new feeling to them, too,” she said.
But some cruise lines do expect to reach that market.
“Japan’s current popularity makes it an appealing entry point for first-time cruisers, while our seasoned travelers are excited to experience the country with Princess,” said Princess Cruises chief commercial officer Jim Berra.
Japan may be driving much of the region’s cruise capacity increases, but it is not the only country in Asia that can expect to see more ships in the coming years.
Disney Cruise Line’s upcoming ship, the Disney Adventure, will homeport in Singapore. Holland America Line highlighted South Korea, Vietnam and the Philippines as “contributing to heightened demand.”
Azamara’s Asia demand is regionwide, Ritzenthaler said.
Explora Journeys will sail Asia for the first time in 2027, with its third ship, the Explora III. Justin Poulsen, the cruise line’s head of itinerary planning, destination experiences and ground handling, said Japan’s appeal “didn’t define our approach to curating itineraries across Asia.”
“We drew inspiration from Asia’s tapestry of cultures, traditions and landscapes,” he said.
Johanna Jainchill contributed to this report.
AloJapan.com